SA DSA Stands in Solidarity with Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony
On Sunday, Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony voted unanimously to strike after the San Antonio Symphony Society announced a proposal it described as their, “last, best, and final offer.” The Board and Management’s unwillingness to bargain in good faith with the musicians that create the symphony’s vibrant sound is abhorrent; especially after Symphony musicians voluntarily accepted an 80% salary reduction, all while taking on additional labor such as producing virtual content.
The courage shown by members of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 23 is an inspiration to all workers. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen workers across San Antonio take the fall for management’s failures. From the service industry being rushed back into work in unsafe conditions, to the looming CPS rate hike, it is the working class of San Antonio that is always asked to pay. Meanwhile the wealthy insulate themselves from any overhead at the expense of worker labor. The Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony took a pay cut due to the pandemic, but not one member of senior management took a pay cut during the same time period.
We, the members of San Antonio DSA, stand in solidarity with AFM Local 23 and encourage our membership to join the harmonious sounds of a strike on the picket line! We urge the public to avoid any Symphony performances until a new and just contract is bargained. More ways to support the workers while on strike are forthcoming.
As socialists, we believe the cause of labor is the hope of the world and we look forward to welcoming the Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony back after a fair contract is won.
